High Falls Residential and Business District

Rochester's Historic High Falls District

The High Falls District combines historical character and charm with new commercial and residential opportunities. Original 19th-century buildings are being converted into headquarters for the 21st century and luxurious dwelling spaces. The Parry Machine Building is now home to SEI Design Group and Navalis Construction along with six brand new loft apartments. The Parazin Building was also rebuilt and is now open for use on the bottom levels and boasts beautiful residential and work spaces on the upper three floors. The stunning apartments feature hardwood floors and exposed brick walls, offering trendy tenants a unique view of the High Falls Gorge, all within an easy walking distance to downtown employers.

Enjoy the view

The amazing view from Pont de Rennes Bridge has been captured in all of its brilliance. Rochester city photographers have taken an exciting new Gigapan photo of the High Falls. The photo stitches together more than 600 high-resolution photos to create this magnificent 658 megapixel panoramic image! To explore the falls right from your computer click on the image to the right.

The High Falls area also hosts radio giant Entercom who locally produces the shows for WBEE, WPXY, WBZA, WCMF and WROC-AM. Across the street in the trolley barn office space has been created for Stantec.

Thanks to a generous land donation from Kodak The Mills at High Falls were constructed just North of Platt St. The three-story apartment building contains 67 new units. There are plans for 21 additional units to be built at The Mills.

Center at High Falls

Press a button and meet the legends of Rochester. Set a water wheel in motion. Or sit in a taxi and get to know the city. There is something for everyone here at the Center which originally served as the Rochester Water Works. A simulated raceway and thundering falls are just some of the interactive 3-D exhibits that show how geology, technology, culture and creativity influenced the life that flourished at High Falls way back when. The center also has three unique upstairs art galleries that highlight local artists ranging all skill and age levels. With its interactive exhibits and 3-D displays, the Center at High Falls is fun for kids of all ages.

Self-guided tours

Free admission

Advanced reservations (at least 10 business days) are required for groups of ten or more.

Behind the walls of these massive stone buildings, you'll find a 40-foot high glass atrium, interpretive programs and activities and even a gift shop stocked with unique items from Rochester and High Falls.

At High Falls:

See the Genesee River rushing over a 96-foot cliff. Walk through Rochester's past, and future. Learn all about the famous people who have lived in Rochester. Spend a relaxing afternoon in the park at Granite Mills Commons or on the 858-foot long Pont De Rennes bridge. Stand in Triphammer Forge and see actual 1816 factory ruins. Walk across historic footbridges and peek beneath the street at a replicated 240-foot section of the original raceway used to power mill wheels.

Triphammer Forge

Find an early iron forge and multi-level views of actual 1816 factory ruins.

Plan the perfect event

Max at High Falls has four different rooms in which to throw your unique event. Friends and colleagues will be impressed as Max helps create an event for a small group or something bigger. Max at High Falls offers food and beverage packages to fit any size party and budget.

Sit back and relax

After a hard day at work or enjoying the falls stop into Spin Caffe and enjoy some delicious coffee. If you're hungry they offer amazing paninis and sandwiches too.

Pont De Rennes

You can walk or bike along the 858-foot long bridge over the Genesee River Gorge for a thrilling look at the falls.

Granite Mills Commons

You might want to picnic in the park next to the gorge, with its authentic ruins of the old Granite Flour Mill's foundation (circa 1850) and millstone from the Moseley and Motley Milling Company.

Public parking is available in the High Falls Garage adjacent to the WXXI Building.

Funding for these projects has been provided by the City of Rochester, the New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (1986 EQBA, local assistance and local resource grant awards) and private contributors.